Walking Pneumonia: Know Everything About This Serious Condition Often Mistaken for a Common Cold – Life News

Ongoing pneumonia is often confused with a cold, but can lead to serious complications if left untreated. According to Dr Shahid Patel, consultant pulmonologist, Medicover Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, walking pneumonia is also known as atypical pneumonia. “It is a mild and less serious form of pneumonia. People diagnosed with walking pneumonia may not require hospitalization and can get better in the comfort of their own home. This particular type of bacteria is mainly caused by a bacterium called Mycoplasma pneumoniae,” said Dr. Patel Financial Express.com.

However, walking pneumonia can also be caused by various types of bacterial or viral infections. It is called walking pneumonia because people with this type of pneumonia can still carry out their daily activities even though they feel sick or weak.

“Although walking pneumonia can be mild, it can still cause discomfort. If this is overlooked, it can further lead to more serious conditions that can become problematic in the future. This type of pneumonia is more common in children and younger adults,” he said.

What are the symptoms of walking pneumonia?

Here are some common symptoms of walking pneumonia:

• Persistent cough: It is one of the most common symptoms of walking pneumonia. One may experience a dry cough that can last for weeks or even months. Unlike a cold or cough, this cough does not go away on its own or may worsen over time.
• Fever: The fever can range from mild to severe depending on several factors. In addition to fever, one can also experience physical chills. This type of fever is usually low-grade, but individuals may still feel weak or tired.
• Fatigue: It’s when you feel extremely tired or weak even after getting enough sleep and rest. People diagnosed with walking pneumonia often complain of fatigue, even though this particular infection is mild. This can further make it difficult to perform daily activities or even stay focused.
• Chest pain: Sharp chest pain or shortness of breath is another symptom associated with walking pneumonia. You may experience chest pain when you try to take deep breaths or even cough. You can easily become frustrated and irritated, making you moody throughout the day. This type of chest pain is usually not serious, but you should not neglect it.
• A sore throat: It is one of the first symptoms of walking pneumonia. However, you can try to ignore it as a minor inconvenience. In addition to a sore throat, one can also suffer from a headache. The intensity of headaches can vary from person to person. These symptoms often resemble those of the common flu or cold, making it difficult to detect walking pneumonia at an early stage.

How is walking pneumonia treated?

It becomes crucial to visit a doctor if you start experiencing any of these symptoms. “Your doctor may prescribe certain antibiotics because these are caused by the bacteria. These antibiotics can help your body fight the infection while making you feel better over time. Besides medications, it becomes crucial to adopt a healthy diet lifestyle. Drinking plenty of water, getting enough rest, eating balanced meals and following hygiene practices can be helpful,” Dr. Patel. Financial Express.com.

Don’t delay the doctor’s visit as it can only worsen your condition, he said.